North Miami-Dade News

WASHINGTON, D.C.– Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart (FL-26), a senior member of the House Committee on Appropriations, issued a statement following the House Appropriations Committee's approval of the proposed Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) funding bill for fiscal year 2025. The bill aims to protect taxpayer dollars by reducing wasteful spending and prioritizing critical transportation and housing needs, particularly for vulnerable populations such as veterans, the elderly, the disabled, and low-income families.

“The FY25 THUD bill is funded at 7.3% below the FY2024 enacted level, bolsters our national security, supports American values and principles, and reins in bureaucratic overreach," said Díaz-Balart. He outlined several key points of the bill:

- Full funding for Air Traffic Control Operations with provisions to hire 2,000 new air traffic controllers.

- Measures to counter Chinese influence in the transportation sector.

- Funding for National Strategic Sealift Operations, including doubling the number of tanker ships.

- Rejection of increased funding requests for climate and equity initiatives deemed wasteful.

- Maintenance of housing assistance for vulnerable Americans.

- A ban on new commercial flights to Cuba.

Díaz-Balart also highlighted a specific provision he included in the bill: "Additionally, I am proud that the FY25 THUD funding bill includes my prohibition language to block state sponsors of terrorism from accessing any U.S. security facilities." This measure targets countries such as Cuba, Iran, Syria, and North Korea.

He expressed gratitude towards Chairman Steve Womack for incorporating this prohibition following reports that Cuban regime operatives were invited by the Federal Aviation Administration to visit sensitive U.S. governmental facilities. “I commend Chairman Womack for his leadership in safeguarding American taxpayer dollars while prioritizing our national security by ensuring that state sponsors of terrorism are not permitted to access U.S. security facilities again,” Díaz-Balart added.

The legislation builds upon previous efforts like the Secure Airports from Enemies (SAFE) Act led by Congressman Carlos A. Giménez and Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar.